Gain weight the healthy way!

While you must have seen realms of print being wasted on telling people how to lose those extra inches and burn those cumbersome calories, there is also a section of people who, hold your breath, actually find it tough to put on weight! Are you one of those? While you're probably the envy of family and friends, trying to pile on a few pounds is not as easy it is made out to be. At least not for everyone.

When it seems that all those juicy cheeseburgers and chocolate bars are not helping you gain even an ounce, you know you need to do something more to get meat on your bones. Because of the high prevalence of obesity and weight problems in our culture, more emphasis is laid on loosing weight than gaining weight. People who are too skinny need not fret. Here are some tips to gain weight the healthy way:

Calories:

Our bodies have a need for a set number of calories each day. This need is based on your age, gender, height, weight, and activity level. In order to gain weight, you will need to take in more calories than your body needs to maintain your current weight. You can find out what your needs are by visiting a dietician or nutritionist. Find out a diet that is healthy as well as rich in calories. You don't want to gain weight by harming your body.

Nutrients:

There are six essential nutrients that our bodies need to function — proteins, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water. Each of these nutrients has its own function and is needed in different amounts. The way to get them in the right proportion is through the foods that we eat, and in some cases, by the supplements that we take. Your goal for gaining weight will be to eat a well-balanced diet in order to get all of these nutrients in.

Frequency:

It may be helpful to eat every couple of hours in order to get enough food and calories in. Set a timer on your cell phone or put it in your appointment book to remind you to eat. Eat smaller meals every few hours instead of just three large meals a day.

Supplements:

If you don't get enough calories just from your food, you can consider using supplements in between meals. However, always check with an expert beforehand. You don't want to consume something that is wrong for your body.

Weight Lifting:

Nothing builds muscle like weight lifting. If you are unsure of what to do, work with a trainer to set up a program that fits your schedule and needs.